Farmers March to Madurai for Fair Prices and Land Rights

A large group of farmers has arrived in Madurai as part of a nationwide march. They are asking for better prices for their crops, help with debts, and fair pay for land. They are also worried about a new mining project and want a local sugar mill to reopen.
By Newsroom | Agriculture, India |

The arrival of a nationwide farmers' march in Madurai signifies a critical juncture in the ongoing agrarian protests. The demonstration brings to the forefront a range of long-standing issues, from calls for statutory price guarantees to opposition against developmental projects impacting agricultural lands. The participation of various farmer groups underscores a broad-based concern for the welfare and economic stability of the farming community.

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National March for Farmer Welfare Arrives in Madurai

A nationwide march, organized by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and the United Farmers’ Front (non-political), has reached Madurai. This significant event, part of a "Kanniyakumari to Kashmir" campaign, aims to bring national attention to the collective demands of farmers. The march seeks to mobilize local support and increase awareness about the issues plaguing the agricultural sector.

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  • The march, initiated from Kanniyakumari, is led by Jagjit Singh Dallewal, the national coordinator of the United Farmers’ Front (non-political).

  • A central demand is the implementation of a statutory guarantee for Minimum Support Price (MSP), calculated as per the Swaminathan Commission's recommendations.

  • Participants are also calling for a comprehensive debt waiver for all farmers and laborers.

  • The fundamental inequality in market pricing, where farmers lack the right to fix prices for their produce while traders and manufacturers are protected, is a point of contention.

Local Agrarian Issues Surface Amidst National March

The arrival of the national march in Madurai has amplified existing local concerns among farmers. These include demands for the reopening of a closed sugar mill and adequate compensation for lands acquired for development projects.

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Reopening of Alanganallur Sugar Mill

Sugarcane farmers in the Madurai region are protesting the continued closure of the National Cooperative Sugar Mills at Alanganallur.

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  • The mill has been shut down since 2019, causing significant financial losses to local sugarcane growers.

  • Repeated demands and agitations by farmer associations have yet to yield government action.

  • A review committee in 2023 estimated the revival cost at approximately ₹27 crore.

  • A related substation project, intended to support the mill, is stalled at nearly 80% completion.

Compensation for Land Acquisition

Farmers are also voicing discontent over inadequate compensation for lands being acquired for a project spanning approximately 19.5 km.

  • Authorities had previously promised appropriate compensation for the acquired lands.

  • Farmers allege that these promises have not been fulfilled.

  • Protests are ongoing, with farmers demanding fair compensation for their land.

Opposition to Tungsten Mining Project Intensifies

The proposed Tungsten mining project in Nayakkarpatti, Madurai, has sparked considerable opposition from farmers and villagers in the region.

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  • The project, which received approval from the Central government, is feared to negatively impact farming communities.

  • A large-scale protest saw over 10,000 farmers and villagers marching 25 km into Madurai city.

  • This protest led to shop closures and traffic disruptions.

  • The Tamil Nadu government passed a resolution in the state assembly opposing the project due to concerns about its ecological and social impact.

  • Farmers have vowed to continue their protests until the project is scrapped.

Broader Context of Farmer Mobilization

The current demonstrations in Madurai are part of a larger, organized movement by farmers across India. Previous large-scale protests and the formation of farmer coalitions provide a backdrop to these ongoing efforts.

  • The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) had previously organized nationwide rallies on November 26 to mark the anniversary of their historic march to Delhi.

  • These past rallies were held jointly with trade unions and agricultural worker organizations.

  • SKM had issued a three-month ultimatum to the government, threatening a countrywide anti-corporate struggle if demands were not met.

  • A campaign to popularize farmer demands covered nearly 50,000 villages from November 7 to 25.

  • The previous 384-day farmers' march to Delhi, which resulted in the repeal of farm laws by the NDA government, serves as a significant precedent.

  • The current "Kanniyakumari to Kashmir" march is scheduled to culminate in a rally at Ram Leela Maidan in New Delhi on March 19. Organizers anticipate a large turnout, showcasing national solidarity.

Expert Analysis

  • "The convergence of multiple farmer grievances, from price realization to land use and industrial development, indicates a systemic challenge within the agrarian economy. The demand for MSP as a statutory right, rooted in the Swaminathan Commission report, reflects a deep-seated desire for economic security and a stable income for farmers." - Analyst on Indian Agriculture, speaking anonymously.

  • "The Alanganallur mill closure and the land acquisition issues in Madurai are emblematic of localized economic distress caused by policy decisions or inaction. The fact that a stalled substation project, crucial for industrial infrastructure, is linked to the mill's revival suggests broader governance and investment challenges." - Regional Development Economist.

Conclusion

The farmers' nationwide march reaching Madurai highlights a confluence of national and local issues demanding urgent attention. The core demands for a statutory MSP guarantee, debt waivers, and fair compensation for land acquisitions represent the immediate concerns of the farming community. The continued opposition to the Tungsten mining project and the call for reopening the Alanganallur sugar mill demonstrate specific regional struggles against perceived threats to livelihoods and the environment. The organized nature of these protests, building on past mobilization efforts, signals a persistent and widespread agrarian movement seeking significant policy and economic reforms.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why are farmers marching to Madurai?
Farmers are marching to ask for guaranteed fair prices for their crops, help with their debts, and better pay for land that is taken for projects. They also oppose a new mining project and want a sugar mill to reopen.
Q: What is the main demand of the farmers?
A main demand is a law that guarantees a fair price for all their crops, based on what a past report suggested. They also want all farmers to have their debts forgiven.
Q: What are the local issues in Madurai?
In Madurai, farmers want the Alanganallur sugar mill to start working again. They are also unhappy with the money they are offered for land needed for new projects.
Q: What is the Tungsten mining project?
This is a project planned in Nayakkarpatti, Madurai, that farmers and local people are against. They fear it will harm their farms and lives. The state government also opposes it.